Pecan Square changed the trajectory of Northlake, Texas. When Hillwood Communities launched this 1,200-acre master-planned development, it attracted builders, buyers, and national attention to a town that many people in the DFW metroplex hadn't heard of. In 2026, the story has shifted: Pecan Square is no longer the only reason to pay attention to this corridor. An entire ecosystem of retail, education, infrastructure, and new communities is forming around it, and understanding what's being built, and why it matters, is critical for any buyer evaluating new construction in Denton County.
As the Broker of Covenant Heritage Realty with offices in Northlake, I track this corridor daily. Here's a comprehensive look at what's being built near Pecan Square in 2026, what it means for property values, and how to approach the opportunity strategically.
What's Happening Inside Pecan Square Right Now
Pecan Square itself remains one of the most active new construction communities in Denton County. The community is in its mid-phase buildout, with an eventual total of approximately 3,100 homes at full build-out. For buyers evaluating options, here's what's currently available:
Pecan Square Builder Activity, Summer 2026
A significant recent development: Pecan Square has released rare half-acre homesites, larger lots that offer substantially more space and privacy than the standard suburban footprint. In a master-planned community this close to the metroplex, half-acre lots are uncommon, and for buyers who want room to grow without leaving the amenities of a planned community, this is a meaningful opportunity.
Pricing across the community spans from the low $400,000s on smaller lots to well over $1 million on premium homesites, with most single-family homes in the $500,000 to $800,000 range. HOA dues are approximately $2,260 per year, billed semi-annually, and the community is served by Northwest ISD.
What's strategically important: Pecan Square's five active builders are competing for the same buyer pool, which creates incentive leverage. A buyer who evaluates builders side by side within the same community, comparing final pricing, not headline incentives, consistently achieves better outcomes than one who signs with the first builder they visit.
Barksdale Middle School: A Game-Changer for Families
One of the most significant developments in the Pecan Square corridor isn't a home, it's a school. Floyd Barksdale Middle School, located directly within the Northlake community near Pecan Square, is scheduled to open in August 2026 for the 2026 to 2027 school year. The school will serve grades 6 to 8 under Northwest ISD, with inaugural principal Michelle Jennings leading the campus.
For families with middle-school-age children living in Pecan Square, Harvest, or Canyon Falls, this new school eliminates what has historically been one of the longest commute distances within the Northwest ISD boundaries. Having a quality middle school directly in the community is not just a convenience, it's a factor that supports both quality of life and long-term home values.
What buyers should know: School proximity is one of the top three factors that drive resale value in master-planned communities. The addition of Barksdale Middle School strengthens the Pecan Square corridor's position as a complete live-play-learn environment, and it's the kind of infrastructure investment that compounds in value over time.
Harvest Town Center: Retail Finally Arrives
For years, residents of Pecan Square and surrounding communities have driven to Argyle, Roanoke, or Trophy Club for everyday shopping and dining. That's changing rapidly. The Harvest Town Center, located within the Harvest master-planned community just minutes from Pecan Square, has seen significant openings in 2026:
- Tom Thumb (63,000 square feet), The center's grocery anchor officially opened on March 6, 2026. This is the first full-service grocery store in the immediate Pecan Square/Harvest corridor, and it fundamentally changes the daily convenience equation for thousands of residents.
- Chick-fil-A, Open and serving the community.
- McDonald's, Open and serving the community.
- Chase Bank, Full-service banking now available locally.
- Chuy's Tex-Mex, Under construction with an expected opening in late summer 2026. Chuy's is a popular regional chain with a loyal following, and its addition fills a meaningful gap in the area's dining options.
Additional space in the center is designated for future retail, medical office, and restaurant use. For homebuyers evaluating the Pecan Square corridor, the opening of Harvest Town Center is a strong signal: the infrastructure to support daily life is catching up with the population, and that directly supports property values.
Northlake Crossing: More Retail Filling In
Beyond Harvest Town Center, additional retail is coming online along the Northlake corridor. At the corner of Robson Ranch Road and Cleveland-Gibbs Road, the Northlake Crossing development has seen significant leasing activity through 2025 and into 2026:
- CVS Pharmacy, Serving as an anchor at the adjacent Pecan Plaza development at FM 407 and Gibbs Road.
- Timekeepers Haus, A coffee and boba tea shop for the daily needs of Northlake and Pecan Square residents.
- Grapevine Golf Cars, A secondary location offering rentals, custom carts, and service.
- Star Physical Therapy, Healthcare service supporting the active community.
Portions of Northlake Crossing were reported as fully leased by late 2025, with continued construction and final site delivery occurring through 2026. These retail additions matter: they signal that commercial operators see sustained demand in the corridor, which is one of the strongest indicators of long-term property value stability.
FM 407 and Road Improvements: What's Underway
Traffic congestion along the FM 407 corridor is one of the most common concerns I hear from Northlake residents, and in 2026, meaningful steps are being taken to address it. For buyers evaluating the Pecan Square corridor, understanding the road improvement timeline is important for both quality of life and long-term value.
FM 407 Micro Breakout at I-35W
Denton County approved a $2 million contract in January 2026 for a "micro-breakout" project at the FM 407 and I-35W interchange. Construction began in early 2026 with an estimated 100-day completion timeline. The project adds dedicated turn lanes and shifted guardrails to improve traffic flow at one of the area's busiest intersections. This is designed as an immediate congestion fix while the larger long-term widening project moves forward.
FM 407 Widening (Long-Term)
TxDOT is pursuing an 11.5-mile widening of FM 407 from a two-lane rural road into a six-lane urban divided corridor with pedestrian and bike accommodations, stretching from Bill Cook Road in Justin to FM 1830 in Argyle. Utility relocations are active along the corridor as of mid-2026, with a segment from Cleveland-Gibbs Road to Gateway Drive scheduled for bidding in late 2027. This is a multi-year project, but it's essential infrastructure that supports the continued growth of Northlake and its neighboring communities.
Mulkey Lane and Gibbs Road
Phase-based improvements and lane expansions are underway near Pecan Square, specifically at the Mulkey Lane and Gibbs Road intersection, to address increased traffic from the community's ongoing residential buildout. The Northlake mayor has outlined the town's plans to address traffic concerns in this area, signaling a commitment to keeping infrastructure in step with growth.
What homebuyers should know: These road projects mean Northlake's infrastructure is evolving from a rural character to suburban-grade roads. There will be temporary construction delays, but the long-term result is a safer, more efficient transportation network that supports continued growth and protects property values. Communities like Pecan Square, which are positioned near these improvements, benefit disproportionately.
What's Being Built Next: New Communities in the Corridor
Beyond the developments directly supporting Pecan Square, the broader growth corridor is seeing significant new community announcements that will shape the area for years to come. Understanding these projects helps buyers make decisions with a long-term perspective.
Landmark by Hillwood
This is the biggest story in Denton County development right now. Landmark is a 3,200-acre, $10 billion master-planned community located at I-35W and Robson Ranch Road, developed by Hillwood, the same team behind Pecan Square and Harvest. Phase 1 model homes opened in spring 2026, with first move-ins beginning this summer. Nine builders are competing for early sales in Phase 1, which includes 747 single-family lots with pricing starting in the high $300,000s.
At full build-out over a projected 40-year timeline, Landmark will include approximately 6,000 single-family homes, 3,000 multifamily units, and roughly 900 acres of commercial and retail space, including an announced H-E-B grocery store. The community is planned with approximately 1,000 acres of parks and green space.
What this means for Pecan Square buyers: Landmark adds significant new construction inventory to the broader Northlake/Denton corridor, but it also signals long-term confidence in the area's growth trajectory. Communities that are surrounded by continued investment and development tend to maintain stronger property values than those in areas where growth stalls.
Forestar's 281-Acre Community
In March 2026, Forestar, a subsidiary of D.R. Horton, received city approval for a 281-acre master-planned community on the east side of FM 156, south of Downe Road, near Northlake. The plans call for up to 843 single-family homes on lots at least 30 feet wide, plus approximately 158 acres of open space and floodplain preservation.
This development is still in the early planning stages and won't impact your immediate buying options. But it's another strong signal that national builders and developers see the Northlake corridor as a long-term growth market, a positive indicator for homeowners in adjacent communities like Pecan Square.
Treeline by Hillwood (Justin)
Also by Hillwood, Treeline is an 800-acre master-planned community in Justin with eight builders and homes from the high $300,000s to the $600,000s and beyond. The community emphasizes nature-inspired design and is served by A-rated Northwest ISD schools. While it's positioned slightly farther northwest than Pecan Square, it's part of the same broader Denton County growth story and offers buyers an additional set of options in the new construction market.
The Children's Health StarCenter: A New Community Anchor
The Children's Health StarCenter Multisport, a $45 million athletic facility, celebrated its grand opening on March 31, 2026, at the I-35W and SH 114 interchange. Developed through a partnership between the Dallas Stars and the Town of Northlake, the 225,000-square-foot complex features two NHL-regulation ice rinks and eight basketball courts convertible to 16 volleyball courts.
This is the 11th StarCenter location in the DFW metroplex and the first in Denton County. The facility is designed as the anchor of a larger sports and entertainment district, with planned mixed-use development including restaurants, a conference center, a Cambria Hotel, and green space.
For families in Pecan Square and the surrounding corridor, the StarCenter means youth hockey, figure skating, basketball leagues, and volleyball programs are all accessible minutes from home. It's also a commercial anchor that drives foot traffic to the area, supporting the retail and dining establishments that serve the community.
The Northlake Tax Advantage
All of this growth and development is happening in a town with one of the most compelling financial advantages in North Texas. Northlake maintained its property tax rate at $0.295 per $100 of assessed valuation, which town officials have noted as the lowest tax rate among home-rule municipalities in North Texas.
For homebuyers comparing Northlake to communities in Southlake, Flower Mound, or Prosper, that tax rate is a meaningful financial advantage. On a $600,000 home, the difference between Northlake's tax rate and a community charging $0.50 per $100 could mean over $1,200 in annual savings, money that compounds significantly over the life of a mortgage.
The Town of Northlake adopted a $12.2 million budget for fiscal year 2025 to 2026 with a slight surplus, and the long-term growth plan is guided by the "Northlake Next" 2045 Comprehensive Plan. The town's population is estimated at approximately 13,300 as of 2026, with projections reaching 50,000 at full build-out, which means the infrastructure investments happening now are designed to support decades of continued growth.
How to Evaluate the Pecan Square Corridor Strategically
With so much happening simultaneously, new builder phases, retail openings, school construction, road improvements, and adjacent community launches, the Pecan Square corridor offers more options than it did even a year ago. But more options also means more complexity, and the families who make the best decisions are the ones who approach the process with strategy.
1. Don't buy the timeline, buy the community
New retail and school openings are positive indicators, but they shouldn't be the sole reason you choose a community. Start with schools, commute, lifestyle fit, and long-term value. The retail will follow the rooftops, it always does in North Texas, but the community you choose shapes your daily life from day one.
2. Evaluate builders within the same community, not across communities
Within Pecan Square alone, five builders are competing for your business. Compare their floor plans, construction quality, warranty structures, and incentive packages side by side. The community determines your lifestyle; the builder determines your home quality. Both matter, but they require different evaluation criteria.
3. Factor in the full cost of ownership
Pecan Square's HOA dues of approximately $2,260 per year are competitive for the amenity package. But HOA fees are just one component. Property taxes, insurance, and any MUD or PID assessments all affect your monthly investment. I provide a complete cost-of-ownership analysis so there are no surprises after closing.
4. Think about resale from day one
Communities like Pecan Square maintain strong resale performance because they were designed with long-term desirability in mind. But within any community, lot selection, floor plan, and orientation matter. Homes on premium lots, near amenities, or with popular configurations tend to outperform. I help my clients evaluate these factors before they commit.
5. Don't skip the inspections
Builder warranties are valuable, but they're not a substitute for independent oversight. Pre-drywall and pre-closing inspections are two of the most important steps in protecting your investment. As a Broker with deep contract expertise, I review builder agreements and attend every inspection with my clients to ensure nothing is overlooked.
The Bottom Line
The Pecan Square corridor in 2026 is no longer just a single master-planned community, it's the center of a rapidly maturing growth corridor with new retail, a brand-new school, improving roads, and multiple adjacent communities offering fresh builder options. For buyers evaluating new construction in North Texas, this corridor represents one of the strongest combinations of value, lifestyle, and long-term appreciation potential in the DFW metroplex.
But the key is approaching the opportunity with strategy, not just momentum. Understanding what's being built, why it matters, and how each piece fits into the larger picture is the difference between a good purchase and a great one. That's where I come in.
Whether you're evaluating a new construction home at Pecan Square, comparing it to Harvest, Canyon Falls, or Landmark, or simply trying to understand how these developments affect your real estate goals, I'll help you cut through the noise and make a confident decision.
Want to hear the latest new construction incentives? Let's talk.
Theresa De La Rosa
Broker · New Construction Specialist
Covenant Heritage Realty, LLC
Theresa is the Broker of Covenant Heritage Realty, serving sellers, buyers, and military families throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Central Florida. With 18+ years of experience and deep expertise in Northlake and Denton County communities, she provides strategic, data-driven real estate guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecan Square a good investment in 2026?
Pecan Square remains one of the strongest new construction communities in Denton County. The village-center design, resort-style amenities, Northwest ISD schools, and Northlake's low tax rate of $0.295 per $100 of assessed valuation create a strong foundation for long-term value. The addition of nearby retail (Harvest Town Center), a new middle school (Barksdale), and road improvements further strengthen the corridor's position. As with any real estate investment, individual lot selection, floor plan, and purchase price all matter, I help buyers evaluate these factors strategically.
How does Pecan Square compare to Landmark by Hillwood?
Both communities are developed by Hillwood, but they serve different stages of the buyer journey. Pecan Square is an established community with mature amenities, an active social calendar, and proven resale values. Landmark is a brand-new community in its earliest phases with aggressive early-phase pricing and nine builders competing for sales. If you value certainty and established community infrastructure, Pecan Square is the stronger choice today. If you're willing to be an early mover and accept the growing pains of a new community, Landmark offers compelling entry pricing. I help buyers evaluate which option aligns with their timeline, risk tolerance, and lifestyle priorities.
What schools will serve my family if I buy near Pecan Square?
Pecan Square is served by Northwest ISD, one of the most sought-after school districts in the DFW metroplex. The opening of Floyd Barksdale Middle School in August 2026 adds a critical piece of infrastructure for families with middle-school-age children. Elementary and high school assignments follow standard Northwest ISD boundaries. I can help you verify specific school assignments for any homesite you're considering.
When will the FM 407 traffic improvements be completed?
The immediate "micro-breakout" project at the FM 407 and I-35W interchange began construction in early 2026 with an estimated 100-day completion timeline, designed to provide near-term relief. The larger FM 407 widening project from Bill Cook Road in Justin to FM 1830 in Argyle is a multi-year infrastructure initiative with utility relocations active as of mid-2026 and a segment scheduled for bidding in late 2027. While the full buildout will take time, these improvements are essential for supporting Northlake's growth.
Are there quick move-in homes available near Pecan Square?
Yes. Multiple builders within Pecan Square, including Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, and David Weekley, maintain quick move-in inventory. These completed or near-completed homes are available for faster closing, typically within 30 to 60 days depending on lender processing. Quick move-in homes are an excellent option for relocating families on compressed timelines, though they come with limited customization. I can help you identify current inventory and evaluate the incentive packages available on each home.